Sula (2021)

Lesson 8
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 16

10th Grade

Lesson 8 of 31

Objective


Analyze what Morrison’s use of diction reveals in this scene. Debate Eva’s motives.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 45 – 49

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

What does Morrison’s use of diction convey about Plum’s death?

What was Eva’s motive?

Key Questions


  • Pre-reading: Are there times when we might have to hurt those we love in order to actually help them? 
  • Recall: How has Eva previously shown her love for her son Plum? Why did she do this?
  • Recall: Based on the end of p. 45, what is Plum’s current condition? How do you know?
  • Why would Eva be amazed to use her crutches? 
  • Which of the following techniques does Morrison use in the sentence? “The sound of her foot booming in comparison to the delicate pat of the crutch tip.” What is the intended effect of the above?
  • What does the figurative language on p. 46 suggest about Eva?
  • Describe Plum’s current state of mind. How does Eva respond to it? 46
  • Eva and Plum’s interaction at the bottom of p. 46 to the top of p. 47 is most similar to:
  • What does Morrison’s diction on p. 47 suggest?
  • What is Eva actually doing on p. 47? 
  • What does Morrison imply at the end about Hannah?
  • Do you think Eva did this out of love? Why or why not? 

Notes


  • Morrison presents death as a welcome gift to Plum through her use of positive and almost religious diction.
  • Students should then debate if this is an act of love on Eva’s part or not. 

 

Next

Analyze how Sula shows her love for Nel and compare this to how Eva shows love.

Lesson 9
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free